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First public lecture on Industrial Heritage at Farsons Brewery
19/01/2015

An object represents cultural heritage if there is public interest in keeping it for any of the artistic, scientific, technical, historic, industrial and urban design reasons. If one of these criteria is met, the object represents cultural heritage and is worthy of protection. All these criteria are uniquely embodied in the Farsons Brewery architecture and they will be further developed through a masterplan which includes the transformation of the iconic old Brewhouse and former Packaging Halls into the Farsons Business Park.

A full house of 120 at the first public lecture on Industrial Heritage. Organised by Farsons and The Farsons Foundation in conjunction with Heritage Malta, the participants were welcomed by Farsons Director Michael Farrugia. An introductory overview by heritage specialist Dr Kristen Lippincott identified the themes of brewing in the Old Farsons Brewery; the company’s past, present and future, the Farsons community and the Farsons brand within the context of Malta’s industrial heritage.

An attentive audience heard the argument by award-winning architect Professor Ian Ritchie, whose architectural firm developed the initial proposed masterplan. He maintained that protecting iconic industrial heritage, such as Farsons Brewhouse, is akin to holding on to a story from bygone era – except once preserved, the stories can be narrated time and again.

“To discover old spaces and to reinvest energy into them and give them a new life, in effect a renaissance, should be as thrilling as creating a new building,” said Professor Ian Ritchie, whose practice has received more than 60 national and international awards. “It is not the aesthetic beauty or the age of a more or less old building that matters. The only criterion is the public interest in the object.”

The public lecture on ‘Architecture and Farsons’ Industrial Heritage’ was the first of a series of lectures focusing on specific themes of industrial heritage. The second lecture entitled ‘Industrial Advancement and Defence Strategies’ by Matthew Balzan will be held on Wednesday 28th January at the Inquisitor’s Palace in Birgu at 6.30 p.m.

The lectures are part of a broader initiative by Farsons and The Farsons Foundation, in close collaboration with Heritage Malta and the University of Malta, to create further awareness about Malta and Farsons’ industrial heritage. A publication of researched contributions shedding light on Malta’s industrial past was jointly released last year by The Farsons Foundation and the University of Malta.

Attendance to the lectures is strictly on confirmation via josette.ellul@gov.mt or by phone on 21663731 by not later than Monday 26th January 2015. Early confirmation is recommended in view of limited seating.